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Karen Peluso received her first camera when she was 10 years old. She spent many days lying in the grass, capturing the beauty of the sweet gum tree in her New Jersey backyard.

That passion for photography has never severed. It is her love of art and the beauty of the Lowcountry that stole Karen’s heart and persuaded her to make the move to our stunning, riverfront town.

Karen’s husband, Clint, wanted to relocate to the south for years but Karen enjoyed her career in medical office management and was reluctant to leave it behind. It wasn’t until Karen and Clint were visiting some friends in Bluffton when the stars aligned. The couple took a carriage ride through downtown Beaufort and it was clear; although Beaufort wasn’t perfect, it was perfect for them.

When the day had finally come for Karen and Clint to call Beaufort home, Clint jumped right in to his role as avid volunteer for Beaufort Memorial Hospital. He would greet patients with a smiling face and a helping hand, assist various departments where needed and (maybe most importantly) bring delicious baked goods to share with employees and his fellow volunteers. Clint always said that he volunteered for the employees. He understood how challenging it is to work in health care and if he could make just one person smile with an encouraging word or a chocolate chip cookie, it was all worth it.

Karen followed in Clint’s footsteps and became a beloved member of the Beaufort Memorial family when the late Bill Nettles, an active member of the Board and true supporter of Beaufort Memorial’s mission, connected her with the Foundation. It was an instant match. Karen’s colors shone brightly right away, using her talents to support the Foundation through every event, appeal, and advancement. She has always been much more than a volunteer. Karen is a clear representation of what heart and a passion for giving looks like.

Read More: Volunteer Opportunities

When asked why she has continued to volunteer at Beaufort Memorial after Clint’s passing in 2016, Karen smiles and says because it feels like family. “The hospital is so important. Beaufort Memorial has such a high caliber of employees and state-of-the-art equipment. We need to support what is working and strive to make it better."

Karen also continues to financially support Beaufort Memorial, including as a member of the Kate Gleason Society, because she believes in the mission and to show her grandchildren the importance of philanthropy. “You don’t need a lot to be philanthropic. I can’t physically do a lot but I can give and giving makes me feel good.”




As a member of the Kate Gleason Society, which was established to recognize those who have planned a legacy gift to support health care services at Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Karen is showing her family how they can make a difference in their community for generations to come. Karen believes teaching her grandchildren the lesson of helping others and taking care of your community is essential.

Read More: How Your Gifts Help

Reflecting on her volunteer experience, Karen shares one last memory and reason that she is so proud of the Beaufort Memorial family. She remembers being evacuated for Hurricane Matthew and getting to enjoy her “Hurrication” safely away from the coast, knowing the BMH team stayed behind, remaining steady and available to help our Lowcountry community. Karen says, "How can you not want to support that?”

To learn more about legacy giving, visit our Gift & Estate Planning page or contact the Donor Support Line at 843-522-5774.